Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense recently held a meeting of the steering committee for the 2026 expo.

According to the ministry’s news portal, as of September 21, 134 organizations and companies from 32 countries had registered for 7,058 square meters of exhibition space, equivalent to 588 standard booths. Another 22 organizations and companies were still discussing requirements totaling 880 square meters.

The total exhibition area is expected to reach 7,938 square meters, equivalent to 661 standard booths and about 1.7 times the space used in 2024. Preparations for the displays are actively underway.

The planned weapons and military equipment display comprises 123 items across 80 types, including 48 types newly proposed for the 2026 exhibition.

The Ministry of National Defense has approved 579 products and services from Vietnam’s defense industry for display and presentation at the event.

Agencies and units are also finalizing plans for a space showcasing products serving economic and defense purposes alongside the cultures of Vietnam’s three regions. It will combine exhibits with interactive and hands-on activities.

According to the People’s Army newspaper, visitors will be able to experience flying a MiG-21 fighter jet, driving an infantry fighting vehicle and operating a military vessel through virtual reality. They can also try new dual-use technologies and products from the Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) and other organizations.

US participants plan outdoor displays featuring a C-130J transport aircraft, an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), an M777 155mm howitzer, an M1126 Stryker armored vehicle and tactical ground vehicles.

Exhibits introducing Vietnam’s landscapes, people and representative regional products are being prepared to offer varied, engaging content and create highlights at the expo.

Organizers have so far delivered 163 invitations to partners in 56 countries. Twenty international delegations from 16 countries have confirmed their participation, including six ministerial-level delegations.

Plans for a welcoming flypast, unmanned aerial vehicle demonstrations and performances by special forces and border guards are also being developed, with training and joint rehearsals proceeding as scheduled.

Concluding the meeting, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, deputy minister of national defense, instructed subcommittees, agencies and units to review all assigned tasks, particularly those directly related to the opening ceremony, demonstrations, exhibits and arrangements for international guests.

The Content Subcommittee was tasked with finalizing exhibition plans, programs, scripts and activities. The Protocol Subcommittee was instructed to review and carefully prepare arrangements for receiving and assisting international delegations.

The Operations and Security Subcommittee must check and complete plans for security, safety, traffic, fire prevention and firefighting, and responses to incidents. The Communications Subcommittee was directed to step up publicity and proactively prepare facilities and support for the press, television and multiplatform coverage. The Support Subcommittee must review all arrangements for logistics, technical support, military medical services, facilities, meals, accommodation, transportation and other exhibition needs.

Thang stressed that preparations and the event itself must be carefully coordinated, safe, effective and economical. He called for avoiding waste, using resources efficiently and for their intended purposes, and strengthening inspections and oversight to prevent errors during implementation.

For the opening ceremony and demonstrations, the deputy minister instructed agencies and units to conduct joint rehearsals, preliminary reviews and full dress rehearsals according to plan. Each stage must undergo specific checks and assessments, with timely adjustments where needed to ensure consistency and smooth coordination among the participating forces.

Tran Thuong